I assembled the strongest swordsman group.

The current Edo Shogunate is indeed no longer the powerful force it once was, capable of quelling rebellions and ending the Warring States period. However, no matter how weak it is, it cannot be overthrown by a few hundred or even a thousand samurai wielding swords and spears.

As the saying goes, the enemy of my enemy is my friend.

And so, these two groups of people, whose political ideals were completely different, hit it off.

Subsequently, a statement by a certain individual provided a realistic theoretical basis for the merger of these two groups.

This figure is quite well-known in present-day Japan—he is the current emperor: Emperor Tonin.

Toruhito greatly disliked the "barbarians" who came from the West. He repeatedly urged the Edo Shogunate to launch the "Expel the Barbarians War" as soon as possible and demanded that the Tokugawa family, who held the hereditary position of Shogun, fulfill their obligation to "expel the barbarians" as soon as possible.

Emperor Tongren's political stance was a shot in the arm for those who opposed expelling foreigners—they gained a legitimate reason to do so—the Emperor hated barbarians, and our extermination of them was in accordance with the Emperor's decree! We were a righteous army with a just cause!

Don't underestimate the importance of status.

Throughout history, countless heroes and valiant individuals have repeatedly demonstrated the importance of righteousness and honor through their actions and the blood they shed.

In war, a justifiable reason for sending troops that can gain the heartfelt recognition and support of the masses is more valuable than a thousand troops.

The current emperor hates barbarians → our killing of barbarians is equivalent to supporting the emperor and responding to the emperor's call → honoring the emperor is to expel barbarians, and expelling barbarians is to honor the emperor.

A perfect logical closed loop is formed.

The oppression of the current situation plus the temporary common interests = the combination of the pro-monarchy faction and the anti-barbarian faction.

The two ideas were organically combined, and a new trend of thought emerged: "Respect the King and Expel the Barbarians".

As soon as this idea appeared, it spread throughout Japan at an alarming speed.

Today, the concept of respecting and respecting the people has a strong appeal and influence.

"Resisting barbarians"—this term is already an old relic from the previous version.

The current popular title is "a man of noble character".

"The clouds rise and the dragon soars! He will be transformed into a king!"

Ito Daizo recited this famous line from the "Han Shu: Narrative Biography" with deep emotion, then took a deep breath and prepared himself emotionally.

"The times are changing rapidly!"

"Western barbarians are eyeing our country with covetous intent! The national situation is extremely precarious!"

"In the face of this unprecedented upheaval, we, the people of virtue and ambition, should bravely step forward!"

"A true man should wield a three-foot sword and achieve unparalleled feats!"

"I'm really not willing to be a dojo instructor for the rest of my life!"

"So I've made up my mind!"

"I will put aside all worldly affairs within five years at most, and devote myself wholeheartedly to realizing my dream of 'honoring and rejoicing'!"

"I dedicate the sword at my waist! I dedicate my life! To the great cause of honoring the king and expelling the barbarians!"

Daizo Ito's speech was very inspiring; however, the feedback he received was somewhat subtle.

Qing Deng has never had any interest in political matters, so he maintained a calm expression throughout.

The Commander listened attentively, but she treated it like a storyteller, only enjoying it for fun. What political ambitions can you expect from someone whose mind is filled with swords and sweets?

Harada Sanosuke, an illiterate man who couldn't even recognize all the Chinese characters, looked completely bewildered. Although he didn't quite understand what Ito Daizo was saying, he realized that's how it was.

Nagakura Shinpachi was beaming and excited. But he wasn't moved by Ito Daizo's lofty ambitions or his grand ideal of respecting the emperor and expelling the barbarians. He was simply resonating with Ito Daizo's words, "A true man should wield a three-foot sword and achieve unparalleled feats."

Saito Hajime remained unchanged, clutching his sword, expressionless, huddled in a corner of the hall, staring blankly into the void. Whether he was simply lost in thought or actually listening to Ito Daizo speak, only heaven knows.

Like Aoto, Inoue Genzaburo was indifferent to these courtly disputes. Although he listened to Ito Daizo's lectures, he let them go in one ear and out the other.

Hijikata Toshizo didn't seem to like Ito Daizo. He wouldn't even bother to look at him, let alone listen to him speak.

Of all the people in the audience, only two people truly responded positively to Daizo Ito's speech.

One of them is Todo Heisuke.

As a disciple of Ito Daizo, Todo Heisuke deeply respected and admired his teacher.

After Ito Daizo began his lecture, he remained respectful throughout, listening intently to the sacred teachings, his eyes gleaming with fervent admiration, as if he were practically writing "Teacher, you speak so well!" and "Teacher, I truly admire you!" on his forehead.

As for the second one... it's Kondo Isami.

"I'm really not content to be a dojo instructor for the rest of my life..."

Kondo Isami repeated Ito Daizo's words in a low voice, barely audible even to himself.

An unusual light gradually rose in his eyes...

……

……

Ito Daizo and Todo Heisuke stayed at the Shieikan until nearly noon before getting up to leave.

The Kondo family tried to persuade the two to stay for lunch, but they declined, saying, "We should probably go back and prepare for tonight's New Year's Eve dinner."

For Qing Deng, Daizo Ito's sudden visit was just a minor incident today.

After saying goodbye to Daizo Ito and having lunch, everyone at the Shieikan Museum threw themselves back into the busy but lively preparations for the festival.

……

"Tachibana-kun! Look! I've sculpted a Hijikata-san!"

While busy, Souji sculpted a snowman out of the snow in the yard, which, apart from barely resembling a human figure, bore no resemblance to Hijikata in any way.

Suddenly, a cold wind blew in.

The little snowman that Souji held in his palm was suddenly blown away.

"Ah! Mr. Hijikata has been blown into the sky!"

"Shogun... what are you yelling about, you little brat?"

Hijikata, whose hands were covered in flour and whose face was covered in black lines, emerged from the side while he was making mochi with Kondo.

……

"Oh! Sanosuke, you're really good at cleaning!"

Nagakura, who was assigned to sweep the floor along with Harada, marveled at the spotless floor that Harada had cleaned.

"After all, I wield a long spear!"

Harada grinned sheepishly, a confident smile spreading across his face.

"A person skilled with a spear will naturally be good with a broom—isn't that obvious?"

"Huh? Is there any necessary causal connection between these two?"

"Because they are all very long."

"Talking to you feels like it's going to make me stupid!"

……

Similar conversations and interactions can be heard frequently in the Shiwakan Museum today.

*******

*******

I wasn't feeling too well yesterday, so the word count was a little lower. I'll try to update more tomorrow (crying face).

So, does anyone have a guess what task Tenshōin plans to give to Aoden on January 1st?

This is rather difficult to guess; I doubt any reader will be able to figure it out. (Leopard looking triumphant.jpg)

Chapter 327 Souji's Kiss to Aoto [7400]

That night--

Edo, Koishikawa Kohinata Yanagi Town, Test Guard Hall——

"Buckwheat noodles are here!"

Inoue Genzaburo walked into the living room with a big smile, carrying a large bowl of freshly made soba noodles that were still emitting translucent steam.

The living room was filled with a joyful atmosphere.

Having just showered and changed into clean and refreshing clothes, Qingdeng and the others were already seated in their respective places.

After Inoue Genzaburo entered the room, they all cast expectant glances at the bowl of freshly cooked soba noodles in his arms.

"Oh! The New Year's buckwheat! It's finally here!"

Harada sucked hard on his saliva.

"Uncle Yuan! Please give me a generous portion of noodles!"

Harada pushed his bowl in front of Inoue.

"No need to rush, no need to rush."

Inoue said with a chuckle.

"There's plenty of buckwheat noodles, so feel free to eat as much as you like! But please don't sneak any. Be patient until the master chef finishes his New Year's address."

Inoue took everyone's bowls and skillfully filled each one to the brim.

Eating soba noodles on New Year's Eve is one of Japan's unique folk customs.

Buckwheat noodles served on New Year's Eve are traditionally called "New Year's Eve buckwheat noodles".

There are quite a few reasons why people eat buckwheat noodles on New Year's Eve.

Firstly, buckwheat noodles are long and thin, symbolizing longevity.

Secondly, in the traditional Japanese view, buckwheat noodles are a very healthy food that can ward off the five poisonous creatures.

Thirdly, buckwheat noodles are relatively soft and easy to cut. Therefore, eating buckwheat noodles during the Lunar New Year symbolizes "cutting off all past troubles."

Qingdeng and the others, who had been busy all day, were starving.

Each person stared wide-eyed at the buckwheat noodles in their bowl, ready to launch a "massive offensive" against the noodles in front of them.

However, although everyone was extremely hungry, they all showed considerable restraint.